India is aiming to export US$1bn worth of organic produce over the next five years, according to the country's commerce secretary Rahul Khullar.
'Consumer wisdom on the benefits of organic products has led to the sector's viability. From US$12m of organic exports 10 years ago, we have reached US$125. We aim to cross the US$1bn level within the next five years,' he said.
Mr Khullar was speaking at a conference to celebrate 10 years since the introduction of India's National Programme for Organic Production, which standardised organic production and certification in the country.
He also said organic production was not only good for the economy, but would help farming in the country become more sustainable due to its environmentally-friendly approach, Thai Indian News reported.
Mr Khullar also said the government would take steps to aid Indian grape exporters, who could lose up to Rs2.73bn (US$59.7m) because of the ongoing chlormequat chemical dispute with the EU.
